Headset wireless charging dock

ABSTRACT

A method and system for a headset wireless charging dock, where the charging dock comprises a radio, a coil, and a proximity sensor. The method may comprise sensing a presence of a headset using the proximity sensor, wirelessly charging a battery in the headset utilizing the coil, and wirelessly communicating commands, using the radio, to the headset to power down at least a portion of circuitry in the headset. The command may be communicated to the headset utilizing a protocol and a RF radio used by the headset to receive audio signals. The command communicated to the headset may power down audio processing circuitry in the headset. The charging induction coil may be inductively coupled to a coil in the headset to wirelessly charge the battery in the headset. The proximity sensor may comprise a Hall sensor.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/728,433,filed on Jun. 2, 2015. The above stated application is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

N/A

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the present application relate to audio headsets, and morespecifically, to methods and systems for a headset wireless chargingdock.

BACKGROUND

Limitations and disadvantages of conventional approaches to headsetcharging will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such approaches with some aspects of the present methodand system set forth in the remainder of this disclosure with referenceto the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Methods and systems are provided for a headset wireless charging dock,substantially as illustrated by and/or described in connection with atleast one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts an example gaming console.

FIG. 1B depicts an example gaming audio subsystem comprising a headsetand an audio basestation.

FIG. 1C depicts the example gaming console and an associated network ofperipheral devices.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict two views of an example embodiment of a gamingheadset.

FIG. 2C depicts a block diagram of the example headset of FIGS. 2A and2B.

FIG. 3 depicts a headset in a charging dock.

FIG. 4 depicts a charging dock with charging control commandfunctionality.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example process for headsetcharging.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain aspects of the disclosure may be found in a headset wirelesscharging dock. Example aspects of the disclosure may comprise, in acharging dock that comprises a radio frequency (RF) radio, a charginginduction coil, and a proximity sensor: sensing a presence of a headsetusing the proximity sensor, wirelessly charging a battery in the headsetutilizing the charging induction coil, and wirelessly communicatingcommands, using the RF radio, to the headset to power down at least aportion of circuitry in the headset. Commands may be communicated to theheadset utilizing a protocol used by the headset to receive audiosignals. The command may be communicated to a RF radio in the headsetthat is used to receive audio signals. The command communicated to theheadset may power down audio processing circuitry in the headset. Thecharging induction coil may be inductively coupled to a coil in theheadset to wirelessly charge the battery in the headset. The proximitysensor may comprise a Hall sensor. A power down command may becommunicated to the headset when the charging dock senses the battery inthe headset is fully charged. The battery in the headset being fullycharged may be sensed by a measurement of current in the charginginduction coil or by receiving a charging complete message from theheadset.

As utilized herein the terms “circuits” and “circuitry” refer tophysical electronic components (i.e. hardware) and any software and/orfirmware (“code”) which may configure the hardware, be executed by thehardware, and or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As usedherein, for example, a particular processor and memory may comprise afirst “circuit” when executing a first one or more lines of code and maycomprise a second “circuit” when executing a second one or more lines ofcode. As utilized herein, “and/or” means any one or more of the items inthe list joined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means anyelement of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “xand/or y” means “one or both of x and y”. As another example, “x, y,and/or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x,y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, “x, y and/or z” means“one or more of x, y and z”. As utilized herein, the term “exemplary”means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. Asutilized herein, the terms “e.g.,” and “for example” set off lists ofone or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. Asutilized herein, circuitry or a device is “operable” to perform afunction whenever the circuitry or device comprises the necessaryhardware and code (if any is necessary) to perform the function,regardless of whether performance of the function is disabled or notenabled (e.g., by a user-configurable setting, factory trim, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 1A, there is shown game console 176 which may be, forexample, a Windows computing device, a Unix computing device, a Linuxcomputing device, an Apple OSX computing device, an Apple iOS computingdevice, an Android computing device, a Microsoft Xbox, a SonyPlaystation, a Nintendo Wii, or the like. The example game console 176comprises a radio 126, network interface 130, video interface 132, audiointerface 134, southbridge 150, main system on chip (SoC) 148, memory162, optical drive 172, and storage device 174. The SoC 148 comprisescentral processing unit (CPU) 154, graphics processing unit (GPU) 156,audio processing unit (APU) 158, cache memory 164, and memory managementunit (MMU) 166. The various components of the game console 176 arecommunicatively coupled through various busses/links 136, 128, 142, 144,146, 152, 160, 169, and 170.

The southbridge 150 comprises circuitry that supports one or more databus protocols such as High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI),Universal Serial Bus (USB), Serial Advanced Technology Attachment 2(SATA 2), embedded multimedia card interface (e.MMC), PeripheralComponent Interconnect Express (PCIe), or the like. The southbridge 150may receive audio and/or video from an external source via link 112(e.g., HDMI), from the optical drive (e.g., Blu-Ray) 172 via link 168(e.g., SATA 2), and/or from storage 174 (e.g., hard drive, FLASH memory,or the like) via link 170 (e.g., SATA 2 and/or e.MMC). Digital audioand/or video is output to the SoC 148 via link 136 (e.g., CEA-861-Ecompliant video and IEC 61937 compliant audio). The southbridge 150exchanges data with radio 126 via link 138 (e.g., USB), with externaldevices via link 140 (e.g., USB), with the storage 174 via the link 170,and with the SoC 148 via the link 152 (e.g., PCIe).

The radio 126 comprises circuitry operable to communicate in accordancewith one or more wireless standards such as the IEEE 802.11 family ofstandards, the Bluetooth family of standards, and/or the like.

The network interface 130 may comprise circuitry operable to communicatein accordance with one or more wired standards and to convert betweenwired standards. For example, the network interface 130 may communicatewith the SoC 148 via link 142 using a first standard (e.g., PCIe) andmay communicate with the network 106 using a second standard (e.g.,gigabit Ethernet).

The video interface 132 may comprise circuitry operable to communicatevideo in accordance with one or more wired or wireless videotransmission standards. For example, the video interface 132 may receiveCEA-861-E compliant video data via link 144 and encapsulate/format/etc.,the video data in accordance with an HDMI standard for output to themonitor 108 via an HDMI link 120.

The audio interface 134 may comprise circuitry operable to communicateaudio in accordance with one or more wired or wireless audiotransmission standards. For example, the audio interface 134 may receiveCEA-861-E compliant video data via link 144 and encapsulate/format/etc.The video data in accordance with an HDMI standard for output to themonitor 108 via an HDMI link 120.

The central processing unit (CPU) 154 may comprise circuitry operable toexecute instructions for controlling/coordinating the overall operationof the game console 176. Such instructions may be part of an operatingsystem of the console and/or part of one or more software applicationsrunning on the console.

The graphics processing unit (GPU) 156 may comprise circuitry operableto perform graphics processing functions such as compression,decompression, encoding, decoding, 3D rendering, and/or the like.

The audio processing unit (APU) 158 may comprise circuitry operable toperform audio processing functions such as volume/gain control,compression, decompression, encoding, decoding, surround-soundprocessing, and/or the like to output single channel or multi-channel(e.g., 2 channels for stereo or 5, 7, or more channels for surroundsound) audio signals. The APU 158 comprises memory (e.g., volatileand/or non-volatile memory) 159 which stores parameter settings thataffect processing of audio by the APU 158. For example, the parametersettings may include a first audio gain/volume setting that determines,at least in part, a volume of game audio output by the console 176 and asecond audio gain/volume setting that determines, at least in part, avolume of chat audio output by the console 176. The parameter settingsmay also comprise settings for various charging modes for a headsetcoupled to the console. For example, certain circuitry may be powereddown when in a charging mode. The parameter settings may be modified viaa graphical user interface (GUI) of the console and/or via anapplication programming interface (API) provided by the console 176.

The cache memory 164 comprises high-speed memory (typically DRAM) foruse by the CPU 154, GPU 156, and/or APU 158. The memory 162 may compriseadditional memory for use by the CPU 154, GPU 156, and/or APU 158. Thememory 162, typically DRAM, may operate at a slower speed than the cachememory 164 but may also be less expensive than cache memory as well asoperate at a higher-speed than the memory of the storage device 174. TheMMU 166 controls accesses by the CPU 154, GPU 156, and/or APU 158 to thememory 162, the cache 164, and/or the storage device 174.

In FIG. 1A, the example game console 176 is communicatively coupled to auser interface device 102, a user interface device 104, a network 106, amonitor 108, and audio subsystem 110.

Each of the user interface devices 102 and 104 may comprise, forexample, a game controller, a keyboard, a motion sensor/positiontracker, or the like. The user interface device 102 communicates withthe game console 176 wirelessly via link 114 (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct,Bluetooth, and/or the like). The user interface device 102 communicateswith the game console 176 via the wired link 140 (e.g., USB or thelike).

The network 160 comprises a local area network and/or a wide areanetwork. The game console 176 communicates with the network 106 viawired link 118 (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet).

The monitor 108 may be, for example, a LCD, OLED, or PLASMA screen. Thegame console 176 sends video to the monitor 108 via link 120 (e.g.,HDMI).

The audio subsystem 110 may be, for example, a headset, a combination ofheadset and audio basestation, or a set of speakers and accompanyingaudio processing circuitry. The game console 176 sends audio to thesubsystem 110 via link(s) 122 (e.g., S/PDIF for digital audio or “lineout” for analog audio). Additional details of an example audio subsystem110 are described below.

FIG. 1B depicts an example gaming audio subsystem comprising a headsetand an audio basestation. Shown are a headset 200 and an audiobasestation 195. The headset 200 communicates with the basestation 195via a link 180 and the basestation 195 communicates with the console 176via a link 122. The link 122 may be as described above. In an exampleimplementation, the link 180 may be a proprietary wireless linkoperating in an unlicensed frequency band. The headset 200 may be asdescribed below with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C.

Referring to FIG. 1C, again shown is the console 176 connected to aplurality of peripheral devices and a network 106. The exampleperipheral devices shown include a monitor 108, a user interface device102, a headset 200, an audio basestation 195, and a multi-purpose device192.

The monitor 108 and user interface device 102 are as described above. Anexample implementation of the headset 200 is described below withreference to FIGS. 2A-2C. In an example scenario, the headset 200 maycomprise directional microphones that may be configured based on theaudio environment around the headset 200.

The multi-purpose device 192 may be, for example, a tablet computer, asmartphone, a laptop computer, or the like that runs an operating systemsuch as Android, Linux, Windows, iOS, OSX, or the like. Hardware (e.g.,a network adaptor) and software (i.e., the operating system and one ormore applications loaded onto the device 192) may configure the device192 for operating as part of the GPN 190. For example, an applicationrunning on the device 192 may cause display of a graphical userinterface via which a user can access gaming-related data, commands,functions, parameter settings, etc. and via which the user can interactwith the console 176 and the other devices of the GPN 190 to enhancehis/her gaming experience.

The peripheral devices 102, 108, 192, 195, and 200 are in communicationwith one another via a plurality of wired and/or wireless links(represented visually by the placement of the devices in the cloud ofGPN 190). Each of the peripheral devices in the gaming peripheralnetwork (GPN) 190 may communicate with one or more others of theperipheral devices in the GPN 190 in a single-hop or multi-hop fashion.For example, the headset 200 may communicate with the basestation 195 ina single hop (e.g., over a proprietary RF link) and with the device 192in a single hop (e.g., over a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi direct link), while thetablet may communicate with the basestation 195 in two hops via theheadset 200. As another example, the user interface device 102 maycommunicate with the headset 200 in a single hop (e.g., over a Bluetoothor Wi-Fi direct link) and with the device 192 in a single hop (e.g.,over a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi direct link), while the device 192 maycommunicate with the headset 200 in two hops via the user interfacedevice 102. These example interconnections among the peripheral devicesof the GPN 190 are merely examples, any number and/or types of linksamong the devices of the GPN 190 is possible.

The GPN 190 may communicate with the console 176 via any one or more ofthe connections 114, 140, 122, and 120 described above. The GPN 190 maycommunicate with a network 106 via one or more links 194 each of whichmay be, for example, Wi-Fi, wired Ethernet, and/or the like.

A database 182 which stores gaming audio data is accessible via thenetwork 106. The gaming audio data may comprise, for example, signaturesof particular audio clips (e.g., individual sounds or collections orsequences of sounds) that are part of the game audio of particulargames, of particular levels/scenarios of particular games, particularcharacters of particular games, etc. In an example implementation, thedatabase 182 may comprise a plurality of records 183, where each record183 comprises an audio clip (or signature of the clip) 184, adescription of the clip 184 (e.g., the game it is from, when it occursin the game, etc.), one or more gaming commands 186 associated with theclip, one or more parameter settings 187 associated with the clip,and/or other data associated with the audio clip. Records 183 of thedatabase 182 may be downloadable to, or accessed in real-time by, one ormore devices of the GPN 190.

In an example scenario, the headset 200 may communicate with the gamingconsole 176 and then placed in a charger when finished or uponindication from the headset 200 that the battery is depleted. Usersoften leave headsets one when placing in a charger, thereby leavingunneeded circuitry on and slowing charging. Therefore, the headset 200may be placed in a wireless charger that communicates via RF to theheadset to configure various function of the headset, such as poweringdown all unneeded circuitry while powering up charging control circuitryand/or charging indicators, for example, on the headset 200. Thecharging apparatus is described further respect to FIGS. 3 and 4.

While the headset 200 in FIGS. 1A-1C is shown communicating with agaming console 176, the disclosure is not so limited, as this is merelyan example use for the headset 200. Accordingly, the headset 200 may beutilized in other applications, such as a cellular phone headset, musicplayer headset, or as a headset in any other communications applicationand/or protocol.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there is shown two views of an exampleheadset 200 that may present audio output by a gaming console such asthe console 176. The headset 200 comprises a headband 202, a microphoneboom 206 with microphone 204, ear cups 208 a and 208 b which surroundspeakers 216 a and 216 b, connector 210, connector 214, and usercontrols 212.

The connector 210 may be, for example, a 3.5 mm headphone socket forreceiving analog audio signals (e.g., receiving chat audio via an Xbox“talkback” cable).

The microphone 204 converts acoustic waves (e.g., the voice of theperson wearing the headset) to electric signals for processing bycircuitry of the headset and/or for output to a device (e.g., console176, basestation 195, a smartphone, and/or the like) that is incommunication with the headset.

The speakers 216 a and 216 b convert electrical signals to soundwaves.

The user controls 212 may comprise dedicated and/or programmablebuttons, switches, sliders, wheels, etc., for performing variousfunctions. Example functions which the controls 212 may be configured toperform include: power the headset 200 on/off, mute/unmute themicrophone 204, control gain/volume of, and/or effects applied to, chataudio by the audio processing circuitry of the headset 200, controlgain/volume of, and/or effects applied to, game audio by the audioprocessing circuitry of the headset 200, enable/disable/initiate pairing(e.g., via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi direct, or the like) with another computingdevice, and/or the like.

The connector 214 may be, for example, a USB port. The connector 214 maybe used for downloading data to the headset 200 from another computingdevice and/or uploading data from the headset 200 to another computingdevice. Such data may include, for example, parameter settings(described below). Additionally, or alternatively, the connector 214 maybe used for communicating with another computing device such as asmartphone, tablet compute, laptop computer, or the like.

In an example scenario, the headset 200 may be charged wirelessly whenplaced in a charging dock, and may receive instructions communicatedfrom the dock to power down unneeded circuitry while charging. Forexample, audio processing, control circuitry, portions of communicationscircuitry, and indictor circuitry may be powered down upon receivinginstructions from the charging dock.

FIG. 2C depicts a block diagram of the example headset 200. In additionto the connector 210, user controls 212, connector 214, microphone 204,and speakers 216 a and 216 b already discussed, shown are a radio 220, aCPU 222, a storage device 224, a memory 226, an audio processing circuit230, a charge control module 232, a battery 234, and an induction coil236.

The radio 220 may comprise radio frequency (RF) circuitry operable tocommunicate in accordance with one or more standardized (such as, forexample, the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, the Bluetooth family ofstandards, and/or the like) and/or proprietary wireless protocol(s)(e.g., a proprietary protocol for receiving audio from an audiobasestation such as the basestation 195).

The CPU 222 may comprise circuitry operable to execute instructions forcontrolling/coordinating the overall operation of the headset 200. Suchinstructions may be part of an operating system or state machine of theheadset 200 and/or part of one or more software applications running onthe headset 200. In some implementations, the CPU 222 may be, forexample, a programmable interrupt controller, a state machine, or thelike.

The storage device 224 may comprise, for example, FLASH or othernonvolatile memory for storing data which may be used by the CPU 222and/or the audio processing circuitry 230. Such data may include, forexample, parameter settings that affect processing of audio signals inthe headset 200 and parameter settings that affect functions performedby the user controls 212. For example, one or more parameter settingsmay determine, at least in part, a gain of one or more gain elements ofthe audio processing circuitry 230. As another example, one or moreparameter settings may determine, at least in part, a frequency responseof one or more filters that operate on audio signals in the audioprocessing circuitry 230.

As yet another example scenario, the parameter settings may comprisesettings for charging of the headset 200 when placed in a charging dock.When the dock detects the presence of the headset 200, it maycommunicate signals to the headset 200 via the radio 220 for controllingfunctions during charging. For example, the circuitry that is not neededfor charging may be powered down during charging, based on commandsreceived from the charging dock. In one example, the charging dock maysend a simple command indicating that the headset 200 is docked and theCPU 222 and charge control circuitry may determine circuitry to powerdown. In another example, the charging dock may communicate commands tothe headset specifying what functions and/or circuitry to power down.

Example parameter settings which affect audio processing are describedin the co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/040,144 titled“Gaming Headset with Programmable Audio” and published asUS2012/0014553, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference. Particular parameter settings may be selected autonomously bythe headset 200 in accordance with one or more algorithms, based on userinput (e.g., via controls 212), and/or based on input received via oneor more of the connectors 210 and 214.

The memory 226 may comprise volatile memory used by the CPU 222 and/oraudio processing circuit 230 as program memory, for storing runtimedata, etc.

The audio processing circuit 230 may comprise circuitry operable toperform audio processing functions such as volume/gain control,compression, decompression, encoding, decoding, introduction of audioeffects (e.g., echo, phasing, virtual surround effect, etc.), and/or thelike. As described above, the processing performed by the audioprocessing circuit 230 may be determined, at least in part, by whichparameter settings have been selected. The processing may be performedon game, chat, and/or microphone audio that is subsequently output tospeaker 216 a and 216 b. Additionally, or alternatively, the processingmay be performed on chat audio that is subsequently output to theconnector 210 and/or radio 220.

The charge control module 232 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic,and/or code for controlling the charging of the battery 234.Accordingly, the charge control module 232 may receive electricalcurrent from the induction coil 236, which in turn receiveselectromagnetic energy from a charging induction coil in the chargingstation via inductive coupling. The charge control module may alsoreceive instructions from the CPU 222, which may receive instructionsfrom a charging station via the radio 230.

In an example scenario, an alternating current in the induction coil 236may be utilized by the charge control module 232 to charge the battery234. In this manner, the battery 234 may be charged without the need forany physical connection to a charging station, but merely by being inclose proximity, with the distance determined by the induction coil 236and associated coil in the charging station. Furthermore, the headset200 may receive commands wirelessly from the charging station in whichthe headset is placed, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The charging stationmay sense the presence of the headset 200 and activate an induction coilin the charging station that is inductively coupled to the inductioncoil 236 in the headset 200. In addition, the radio 220 may receivesignals communicated from the charging station, indicating that theheadset 200 is now docked in the charging station and can power downunneeded functions of the headset 200. For example, the audio processingcircuit 230 and portions of the CPU 222 not needed for charging may beshut down. Similarly, indicator lights or displays may be powered down,for example.

By placing sensing circuitry in the charging station and communicatingcharging/power down commands by the radio 220, which is also used forcommunicating audio signals to and from the headset 200, full chargingcontrol may be enabled without the need for proximity sensing anddedicated charging control communications circuitry in the headset 200.

FIG. 3 depicts a headset in a charging dock. Referring to FIG. 3, thereis shown the headset 200 in a charging dock 310. The headset 200 and thecharging dock 310 may each comprise one or more induction coils forinductive coupling of electromagnetic energy from the dock 310 to theheadset 200. In this manner, no connectors or other physical connectionbetween the charging dock 310 and the headset 200 is needed to chargethe battery in the headset 200.

In addition, wireless commands may be communicated from the chargingdock 310 to the headset 200 via the normal RF communication circuitry inthe headset 200 through which audio and other signals are communicated.The commands may comprise simple instructions such as “power down” ormay be more detailed, specifically indicating which circuitry should bepowered down, and therefore may be utilized to power down portions ofthe headset 200 that are not needed during charging, which may decreasecharging time.

FIG. 4 depicts a charging dock with charging control commandfunctionality. Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown an example schematicof the charging dock 310 comprising a radio 401, a proximity sensor 403,a charge induction coil 405, a charge control module 407, and a powerconnector 409.

The radio 401 may be similar to the radio 220 described with respect toFIG. 2, although may comprise more simplified (or greater)functionality. Accordingly, the radio 401 may comprise RF circuitryoperable to communicate in accordance with one or more standardized(such as, for example, the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, theBluetooth family of standards, and/or the like) and/or proprietarywireless protocol(s).

The proximity sensor 403 may comprise circuitry for determining theproximity of a headset, such as the headset 200, and may comprise a Hallsensor, for example, which may sense when a magnet, such as magnets inthe speakers of the headset, is within range. Accordingly, when aheadset is placed in close proximity, such as in a cradle or dockingport, the sensor 403 may indicate this to the charge control module 407so that it may start a charge process via the charge induction coil 405.

The power connector 409 may comprise a port into which a power cord maybe coupled to power the charging dock 310.

In operation, when a headset is placed in or on the charging dock 310,the proximity sensor 403 may indicate the presence of the headset to thecharge control module 407, which may begin a charge process via thecharge induction coil 405. In addition, the charge control module 407may communicate commands to the docked headset via the radio 401, whichmay communicate the signals using the same protocol used by the headsetfor sending and receiving audio signals.

The commands sent to the headset via the radio 401 may comprisepower-down commands, shutting down the headset, for example, or poweringdown all circuitry except for that needed for charging. Once charging iscompleted, either sensed by current in the charging induction coil 405or via a status message received from the headset, the charging dock 310may communicate a command to the headset to power down completely.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example process for headsetmicrophone mode selection. Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a flowchart 500, comprising a plurality of example steps.

In starting step 502, a headset (e.g., the headset 200) may be turned onand may be utilized to send, receive, and emit audio signals. In step504, the headset may be placed in or on the charging dock for charging.

In step 506, a sensor in the charging dock may indicate to chargingcircuitry in the charging dock that the headset is present and acharging process may begin via inductive coupling, for example.

In step 508, the charging circuitry may communicate commands to theradio circuitry in the headset. In step 510, the radio in the headsetmay receive the commands from the charging dock, which may comprisecommands to power down the headset, or at least portions not needed forcharging. For example, audio processing circuitry and some or all dataprocessing circuitry may be powered down while charging to speed chargetime.

In an example embodiment of the disclosure a headset wireless chargingdock is disclosed and may comprise a charging dock comprising a radiofrequency (RF) radio, a charging induction coil, and a proximity sensor,the charging dock being operable to: sense a presence of a headset usingthe proximity sensor, wirelessly charge a battery in the headsetutilizing the charging induction coil, and wirelessly communicate acommand, using the RF radio, to the headset to power down at least aportion of circuitry in the headset. The charging dock may communicatethe command to the headset utilizing a protocol used by the headset toreceive audio signals.

The charging dock may communicate the command to a RF radio in theheadset that is used to receive audio signals. The command communicatedto the headset may power down audio processing circuitry in the headset.The charging induction coil may be inductively coupled to a coil in theheadset to wirelessly charge the battery in the headset. The proximitysensor may comprise a Hall sensor. The charging dock may communicate apower down command to the headset when the charging dock senses thebattery in the headset is fully charged. The charging dock may sense thebattery in the headset is fully charged by a measurement of current inthe charging induction coil or by receiving a charging complete messagefrom the headset. The headset may comprise a gaming headset.

The present method and/or system may be realized in hardware, software,or a combination of hardware and software. The present methods and/orsystems may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least onecomputing system, or in a distributed fashion where different elementsare spread across several interconnected computing systems. Any kind ofcomputing system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methodsdescribed herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware andsoftware may be a general-purpose computing system with a program orother code that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computingsystem such that it carries out the methods described herein. Anothertypical implementation may comprise an application specific integratedcircuit or chip. Some implementations may comprise a non-transitorymachine-readable (e.g., computer readable) medium (e.g., FLASH drive,optical disk, magnetic storage disk, or the like) having stored thereonone or more lines of code executable by a machine, thereby causing themachine to perform processes as described herein.

While the present method and/or system has been described with referenceto certain implementations, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes may be made and equivalents may besubstituted without departing from the scope of the present methodand/or system. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the presentdisclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intendedthat the present method and/or system not be limited to the particularimplementations disclosed, but that the present method and/or systemwill include all implementations falling within the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for headset charging, the systemcomprising: a charging dock comprising a radio, a coil, and a proximitysensor, said charging dock being operable to: sense a presence of aheadset using the proximity sensor; wirelessly charge a battery in theheadset utilizing the coil; and wirelessly communicate a command, usingthe radio, to the headset to power down at least a portion of circuitryin the headset.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the charging dock isoperable to communicate the command to the headset utilizing a protocolused by the headset to receive audio signals.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the charging dock is operable to communicate the command to a RFradio in the headset that is used to receive audio signals.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the command communicated to the headsetpowers down audio processing circuitry in the headset.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the coil is inductively coupled to a coil in theheadset to wirelessly charge the battery in the headset.
 6. The systemof claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a Hall sensor.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the charging dock is operable to communicatea power down command to the headset when the charging dock senses thebattery in the headset is fully charged.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the charging dock is operable to sense the battery in theheadset is fully charged by a measurement of current in the coil.
 9. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the charging dock is operable to sense thebattery in the headset is fully charged by receiving a charging completemessage from the headset.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the headsetcomprises a gaming headset.
 11. A method for charging a headset, themethod comprising: in a charging dock comprising a radio, a coil, and aproximity sensor: sensing a presence of a headset using the proximitysensor; wirelessly charging a battery in the headset utilizing the coil;and wirelessly communicating a command, using the radio, to the headsetto power down at least a portion of circuitry in the headset.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, comprising communicating the command to the headsetutilizing a protocol used by the headset to receive audio signals. 13.The method of claim 11, comprising communicating the command to a radioin the headset that is used to receive audio signals.
 14. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the command communicated to the headset powers downaudio processing circuitry in the headset.
 15. The method of claim 11,wherein the coil is inductively coupled to a coil in the headset towirelessly charge the battery in the headset.
 16. The method of claim11, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a Hall sensor.
 17. The methodof claim 11, comprising communicating a power down command to theheadset when the charging dock senses the battery in the headset isfully charged.
 18. The method of claim 17, comprising sensing thebattery in the headset is fully charged by a measurement of current inthe coil.
 19. The method of claim 11, comprising sensing the battery inthe headset is fully charged by receiving a charging complete messagefrom the headset.
 20. A system for charging a headset, the systemcomprising: a charging dock comprising a radio, a coil, and a Hallsensor, said charging dock being operable to: sense a presence of aheadset using the Hall sensor; charge a battery in the headset byinductively coupling the coil to a coil in the headset; and wirelesslycommunicate a command, using the radio, to the headset to power down atleast a portion of circuitry in the headset.